New Opportunities for Farmers in Srebrenica
Agriculture and the rural economy offer numerous opportunities for the development of remote areas throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Small producers and farms work hard to provide quality products an...
Agriculture and the rural economy offer numerous opportunities for the development of remote areas throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Small producers and farms work hard to provide quality products and help develop their local communities. The European Union has recognised the potential for the development of this industry and is continuously investing in strengthening the capacity of local producers and the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
OPZ Srebrenica, through a project of the European Union, were provided machinery in order to maintain hygiene standards in the production plant more easily and efficiently. “The project helped a wide group of agricultural producers who have had the opportunity to benefit from mechanisation and thus improve their agricultural production. Our municipality is one of the more underdeveloped, so we helped to affirm our agricultural companies and we hired an additional 15 workers,” said Ivan Tomić of OPZ Srebrenica. By investing in the development of juice production and fruit processing, the local community of Srebrenica has gained a strengthened company with the potential for growth, exports and new jobs.
The Rankić company from Srebrenica also proves that local communities are not left to themselves and that small producers take care of their development. Rankić company deals with the purchase, processing and storage of fruits and vegetables and they wanted to strengthen their production and export capacities. “We came up with the idea to apply to the European Union project for the production of natural juice and oatmeal. Through such support, we could offer our agricultural producers in the local area a guaranteed purchase of other fruits and thus try to employ that part of the population residing in remote, rural areas,” says Velibor Rankić. Project activities are aimed at supporting capacity development and are implemented in the municipalities of Srebrenica, Milići, Vlasenica and Bratunac – communities with a rich agricultural tradition that have great potential for development.
Through numerous projects and initiatives, the European Union invests in the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy and supports capacity development. By investing in new machines, ensuring product quality and strengthening export opportunities, small producers serve as an example for the development of the BiH economy and prove that commitment and dedicated work can create new jobs and help the development of the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
